The Disciples Reflect on Jesus’ Ministry

A Reflection

I thought of this passage - the devil approaching Jesus for a chat. Satan spoke first."l've got a plan, Jesus, a wonderful plan for your life. It's certainly a lot better than the one you've been assigned. You do know what's ahead, don't you, if you don't change course?" I realised with tears in my eyes I wanted to be healthy, not to have this cancer, but is life all about my comfort zone? Or rather all about knowing God, all about him and me, him and you, you and me in him.

– Dr Larry Crabb, Soul Talk

A Prayer

Our Father,

Teach us daily that we do not live on bread alone, but by your every word. Pour your Spirit upon us that we might worship and serve you only. Grant your wisdom to us that we might never put you to the test. Lord, when we want to change course in life because we don't like what's ahead, strengthen us to resist evil and keep us steadfast in your will. Amen.

Journal Exercise

Jesus was later to explain to his disciples that he “must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Luke 9:22). Spend some time thinking about the way Jesus responded to this temptation.

Write a prayer thanking God for Jesus’ faith and obedience.

Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Write a prayer telling God how the devil is tempting you to avoid taking up your cross, and ask for his help in following Jesus.

A Prayer

Good morning Lord! What are you up to today?

Can I be part of it? Thank you. Amen.

– Norman Grubb

Challenging Prayer

Call upon God for such an outpouring of his Spirit that we, his people, may be assured of his love through his word, seek to please the saviour in all things, and manifest the godly life.